Kempsey Race Club president John Graham is expecting one of the largest crowds at the Kempsey Cup, with 14 marques booked out.

“It’s the most amount of marques we have ever set up and it’s a great sign that we will have a huge turnout,” Graham told the Argus.

“We had about 1900 people last year and I think we will easily crack the 2000 mark this year.”

Graham encourages everyone to attend and said a big reason he organises the event is because he enjoys connecting the locals with each other.

“There isn’t many social events that bring everyone together like the Kempsey Cup does,” Graham said.

“I love to see the people of the Macleay come together in one place and have a great time celebrating.

“It’s going to be a beautiful day and I hope everyone can make it.”

Horse racing lovers will get their fix, with eight races scheduled and the first is set to jump at 1.10pm while the main race, the Kempsey Cup, is scheduled to commence at 4.50 this afternoon.

Graham predicts a lot of close races.

“All of the fields are very even, especially the Kempsey Cup and the Steve Keir Memorial,” he said. “There won’t be much in it.”

Despite the recent rain, Graham said the track is in “perfect condition”.

“The rain softened it up but the sun and wind on Thursday afternoon dried it up,” Graham said.

“It looks like a great track for racing.”

Meanwhile the fashion on the fields will be held and there are some amazing prizes up for grabs, including return flights to Brisbane with accommodation.

“I encourage everyone to come dressed in their best, it’s free to enter and local businesses have generously donated a lot of great prizes,” Graham said.

Gates open at 11am and there’s an entry fee of $15 for adults and $10 for pensioners.

Bookmakers will be on site to take your bets while full alcoholic services will be provided.

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